Many people tend to trivialize emotional abuse because it doesn’t leave visible marks. However, emotional and verbal abuse is just as severe and painful as physical and sexual abuse. Furthermore, all abuse is detrimental to your being.
If your abusive partner relies on one form of abuse, they’re not above using other ways if they feel threatened or desperate. Abuse is a dark maze that can take hairpin turns and dead ends with no warning. It may start as emotional blackmail, but soon they are abusing you physically and verbally.
An article published by National Center for Biotechnology Information states that at least 50 percent of Americans revealed that they experienced a lifetime of emotional abuse by their partner. Of these numbers, more survivors were female rather than male. The same was the case for other forms of abuse.
Maybe your partner’s abuse began subtly, or you consider it a one-time thing. Some abusers start with emotional abuse, and it snowballs into other forms. Their emotional abuse may intensify and morph into a life-threatening situation for you.
Breaking the Chains of Emotional Abuse
You can break the chains that bind you to emotional abuse, but it’s not an easy process. Additionally, you should know that it’s not going to happen overnight either. Here are some ways to break this toxic cycle.
1. Discuss the Issue with Your Partner
In the past, you may have tried to have a meaningful conversation with your mate. Maybe you’ve tried to get them to see that you feel trapped, and their behavior makes you feel hurt and worthless. This may be one of the times when they swear to change but be careful as they’re likely to go back to their old, abusive habits.
In the end, a toxic partner won’t listen to your concerns and will insist that you made them behave this way. Additionally, they may become enraged. Such behavior is a red flag that you are in an emotionally abusive relationship.
If you can’t get anywhere with your toxic mate, the relationship may be beyond repair. It’s a brutal reality to accept, but your well-being depends on being honest with yourself. Unfortunately, this problem will not disappear on its own, so your next step is to bring in reinforcement.
2. Call in the Troops
Being someone’s emotional hostage is serious and must be addressed. It is a situation that often requires outside support. If you feel that your partner is emotionally abusing you, reach out to trusted family members and friends. Discuss the situation openly with them and gain other perspectives.
You aren’t looking for someone to “pick sides.” Those who care will actively listen without interruption or judgment. Maybe some of their insight can help you see ways that you’re being abused that you’ve not considered.
3. Talk to a Mental Health Provider
You should seek professional advice from a mental health provider who specializes in dysfunctional relationships. They will listen to your concerns and will help you clearly see the situation. Plus, you will work on an effective plan to mend or end the relationship.
When you struggle with an emotionally abusive partner, you may feel afraid, powerless, and guilty. Being smothered by this negative energy can destroy your confidence and send you into a downward spiral of depression. Therapy can help you regain your life and the power to walk away.
A healthy relationship offers you the freedom to grow in love and joy together. If you are bound in the chains of emotional abuse, you have the power to be free. It’s time that you walk out of this prison of abuse into the light of hope and happiness.